THE RAIL. 217 



SHOOTING RAILS IN VIRGINIA. 



Althougli Soras are generally killed in tlie way we have en- 

 deavored to describe above, they are taken along the shores of 

 the James Eiver, in Virginia, in much greater numbers, by a 

 very singular process, with which, however, we are not practi- 

 cally acquainted, but will lay it before our readers in the words 

 of Wilson. The operation of this method is the same as the 

 " fire-hunting of Woodcock," in Louisiana : " A kind of iron 

 grate is fixed on the top of a short pole, which is placed like a 

 mast in a light canoe, and filled with fire. The darker the 

 night, the more successful is the sport. The person who manages 

 the canoe is provided with a light paddle ten or twelve feet in 

 length, and about an hour before high water, proceeds through 

 among the reeds, which lie broken and floating on the surface. 

 The whole space for a considerable way round the canoe is 

 completely enlightened ; the Birds stare with astonishment, and, 

 as they appear, are knocked on the head with a paddle, and 

 thrown into the canoe. In this manner, from twenty to eighty 

 dozen have been killed by three negroes in the short space of 

 three hours." 



NETTING RAILS. 



We have been informed that a French gentleman of our city 

 conceived the project of driving Rails into nets, set in the reeds, 

 but we believe that he was not very successful in the undertak- 

 ing; at all events, not as much so as, he has been in the capture 

 of Eeed Birds by a somewhat similar process. 



FISH PREY UPON RAILS. 



Wherever Rails abound. Eels and Catfish are said to resort 

 in great numbers, anxiously awaiting every opportunity to 

 prey upon all those that escape the eye of the marker, after 

 being killed, or that die from wounds; it is no uncommon thing 

 to find portions of these Birds, and even whole Rails, in the 

 stomachs of Eels. 



